etiquette question - christmas

[SnowAngel]

It depends on how often you actually see them and talk to them.

When I lived in NV a couple years ago, I would give the maillady a card with a tip. I saw her almost everyday and had some interesting conversations. I haven't since I moved from there.
Maybe the newspaper person (if I saw and talked to them often)

It really depends on how often I see the person or if I am friendly with them

 

[froglady]

Our newspaper has a "tip" area on our annual bill, so I fill that in. Interestingly, I still get a card from the carriers themselves. (It's a husband and wife) We had our newspaper delivered after the hurricanes downed many trees in the area (and we were without power for a week.) We also had a paper after our "record" snowstorm a decade or more ago, and on a few other mornings when schools and businesses were closed down, so I feel they deserve one.

I had trashmen who used to put my cans away neatly, so they got a tip. This latest bunch leaves them right in front of my car, blocking my way. They won't get a tip.

I usually give the regular mailman a tip, and my regular hairdresser will get a bottle of wine. (I see her every 3 weeks, so we're pretty friendly)

 

[aprilgail2]

The mailman? -yes, 20.00

The hairdresser?-I dont have one particular one I use all the time, always someone different

The mechanic?- nope

The UPS guy?-yes-depending on the amount that year between 10-20
Fed Ex man? don't have one

garbage men?-oh yea, they take anything I put out, I can put out 10 bags and the "rules" say 4 and they never give me a problem so they get 25.00.

Poland Spring guy-10.00

teachers-25.00 gift certificate and small gift

school office staff-I buy them a platter of chocolate from a chocolate shop
Karate instructors-there are 4 of them so me and 3 other parents split a 80.00 gift basket of chocolate, hot chocolate, cookies etc....

 

[barbeml]

DH and I get A LOT of packages. I tip the UPS guy $20 at Christmas because he gives "above and beyond" service. He carries heavy packages into the house, leaves things carefully concealed if I am not home and always has a great attitude.

Our mail carrier also gets a tip because she goes above and beyond. If I get something that will not fit in my mail box (I live in a condo, so we have "cluster" boxes that are half a black away from my house), she brings that item PLUS all my other mail to my doorstep. If there is rain in the forecast, she bags every thing and rubberbands it.

That's it though. Some of the "tipping guides" I have seen this season are simply outrageous.